The Problem

Microsoft has a way of automatically updating its software on your computer, if you allow. Sometimes, these automatic updates create problems with existing software. Such is the case with TheFormTool Pro, a plug-in that works with Microsoft Word. This article will show you how to resolve that problem and get you back to work.

The Solution

If you use TheFormTool Pro and use Microsoft Office 2016 or Microsoft Office 365, your installation of TheFormTool Pro may be affected by recent updates to the Microsoft Office suite. Thankfully, there’s a way to remedy this issue.

Please see the following instructions:

Update 3: Instructions for an Office 2016 and Office 365 Update Rollback

Contrary to statements from Microsoft’s support team, our own technical team has discovered and simplified instructions that allow users to “rollback” the most recent update to a previous update level without the issue. We’ve tested the procedure, which was described in Microsoft Knowledge Base article (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2770432) and are satisfied that it works.

1.  Check to see if you need to roll back to an earlier build.  In Word, click File, Account, About Word, and find the build number in the top line.  For example, in “Microsoft Word 2016 MSO (16.0.7329.1017) 32-bit” the build number is 16.0.7329.1017.  If your build number is 16.0.7329.1017 or higher, you need to roll back to a previous build.  If your build number is lower, skip to Step 6 to turn off automatic updates.

2.  Prepare.  Make sure all Office programs are closed (Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, OneNote, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher, Visio).  Make sure your Internet connection is active.

3.  Open a Command Prompt window.  In the Windows Start Search box (bottom left corner of your Windows 10 screen), type cmd.  Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and choose Run as administrator.  If prompted to confirm, click Yes.

4.  Select the ClickToRun directory.  In the Command Prompt window, type (or copy from here and paste into the Command Prompt Window) cd %programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun and press Enter.

5.  Roll back to earlier build.  In the Command Prompt window, type (or copy from here and paste into the Command Prompt Window) officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.7167.2060 and press Enter.  A screen will inform you that it is “Downloading Office updates…”  This is likely to take 5 minutes or so.  It will then briefly say “Applying Updates” before it disappears.

6.  Turn off automatic updates.  In Word, click File, Account.  In the “Product Information” column, click Update Options, Disable Updates.

For further information or more detail, please review the MSFT instructions at (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2770432).

We strongly recommend that ALL auto updates be disabled at all times. Why needlessly expose your computer to events like this? Let others take the plunge. Then if there are no negative reports, update manually.

My Tests

I performed these steps on my work computer and TheFormTool Pro returned to normal. It did take several minutes to complete the roll back, so make sure you have a half hour or so set aside. If you need help, feel free to contact me.